Explosion, gunfire hit Kabul near defense minister's residence

KABUL, Afghanistan

A strong explosion followed by gunfire hit Afghanistan's capital of Kabul on Tuesday near the defense minister's residence.

Witnesses told Anadolu Agency the blast appeared to be caused by a car bomb in the Sherpur neighborhood.

Bismillah Khan took to Twitter to reassure that he is well. "Do not worry, everything is fine," he wrote in his native Dari language.

The Defense Ministry also confirmed that the defense chief is safe. “By the grace of God, General Bismillah Mohammadi, the Minister of National Defense, is completely healthy,” spokesman Fawad Aman said in a tweet.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban have intensified across the country as foreign troops withdraw.